title: Reliability/Validity of the fortius trainer.
abstract: This study examined the reliability/validity of power output measured using the Fortius Virtual Reality cycle trainer. 10 cyclists (age: 28±6 years; V˙O (2)max: 60.9±7.2 ml · kg (-1) · min (-1); peak power: 393±82 W) completed three 20 km time trials on a Fortius cycle trainer. During each time trial, power output was measured at 1 Hz using the Fortius internal software and a PowerTap power monitor. Validity calculated for the Fortius trainer; Pearson correlation coefficient (r=0.99; 95% CI: 0.98-0.99; p<0.01) and typical error of estimate (3.5%; 95% CI: 3.2-3.9%), was similar to other established laboratory ergometers. No differences (F (2,16)=0.32; p=0.73) in mean 20 km power were observed between trial 1 (253±46 W), 2 (258±49 W), or 3 (255±50 W). Test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV)) was better between trial 2 and 3 (ICC=1.00 (CI: 0.98-1.00); CV: 1.6% (CI: 1.1-3.3%)) compared with trial 1 and 2 (ICC=0.98 (CI: 0.91-1.00); CV: 3.3% (CI: 2.2-6.4%)). The Fortius cycle trainer is a valid and reliable device for the measurement of power output in cyclists, thus providing an alternative to larger more expensive laboratory ergometers.
authors.affiliation: School of Chiropractic and Sports Science, Murdoch University, Australia. j.peiff er@murdoch.edu.au
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Peiffer
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Losco
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D004867:Equipment Design; D016552:Ergometry / Q000379:methods; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult